Fast Forward Film Reviews

Apocalypto (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 08:53:08 PDT

Should I see it?
Nope.

Lowdown:

It is clear that the intentions didn't match the results. This is a wonderful looking movie and seems like it should be good. It isn't good however. Basically this is little more than Rambo in a loincloth. Rudy Youngblood portrays a young man who is captured by the Mayan. Youngblood shows he has the charisma to carry a movie. In this instance however, he ends up dragging this one along.

Reviews:
Critic After Dark
Deep Focus Cinema

Categories: film, movie review, Mel Gibson, Apocalypto, Rudy Youngblood

Shooter (2007)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 05:22:46 PDT

Should I see it?
No.

Lowdown:

This could have been a good movie but it turns out to be a predictable mess. To make matters worse, this movie is loaded down with cheap conspiracy theories and watered-down Marxist pap. Mark Wahlberg is effective in the lead role as a Marine sniper who gets framed for an assassination but his effort is wasted on this useless production.

Reviews:
A Nutshell Review
Cinematical

Categories: film, movie review, Mark Wahlberg, Danny Glover, Stephen Hunter, Kate Mara

Borat: Cultural Learnings Of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 06:59:42 PDT

Should I see it?
No.

Lowdown:

This is a foul movie. Yes, it is funny and most will find it hilarious. The first half of the film is a remarkable comedy as it follows the hapless Eastern European reporter Borat across the United States. The problem with the movie is that it dips deep into the sewer to the point of being pornographic. When the film runs out of humor it relies on pure shock to gain laughs. While you will undoubtedly be humored by much of this film, the graphic images in the film will most likely disturb most audience members and make the film not worth the experience.

Reviews:
Creative Loafing
FilmGeeks 2.0
DarkMatters - The Mind of Matt

Click here to view the trailer

Categories: film, movie review, Borat, Sacha Baron Cohen

Night at the Museum (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 06:01:52 PDT

Should I see it?
No.

Lowdown:

Remember back in the old days when humor was the central component of a comedy? Ben Stiller offers yet another charisma-free production with this film about a hapless night watchman who works at a museum where the displays come alive at night. Chaotic and lacking a serious comedic punch, this film will mildly amuse but little else. Life is too short to spend time being mildly amused when there are far better works you can watch.

Reviews:
Jesus Freak Hideout
Reel Talk

Categories: film, movie review, Ben Stiller, Dick Van Dyke, Carla Gugino, Mickey Rooney

Evan Almighty (2007)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 05:53:53 PDT

Should I see it?

Nope.

Lowdown:

Ineffectual and distracted this comedy is vacant of any laughs. Steve Carell and Morgan Freeman ooze with kindness and happy thoughts but fail to entertain. Director Tom Shadyac misses his mark completely in this tone deaf comedy revisiting the story of Noah. Don’t even bother with this one out of curiosity.

Click here to view the trailer

Reviews:
Hollywood Jesus
FilmJerk

Categories: film, movie review, Evan Almighty, Morgan Freeman, Steve Carell, Tom Shadyac

Deja Vu (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:26:16 PDT

Should I see it?
Yes.

Lowdown:

Denzel Washington provides an uninspired but still effective performance in this time travel/crime thriller. The piece is well written and smartly constructed. This will keep the attention of most audiences and is a, while not completely unique, a good alternative to the usual Hollywood pap. Jim Cavielzel and Val Kilmer also star.

Reviews:
Ill-Informed Gadfly
Film Freak Central

Categories: film, movie review, Denzel Washington, Paula Patton, Val Kilmer, James Caviezel

The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada (2005)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:06:27 PDT

Should I see it?
No.

Lowdown:

Directed by Tommy Lee Jones, this piece wants to taken so seriously it fails to be worth taking seriously. To be fair, some love this film and think it is great storytelling. I found it wanting. It is probably one of those deals where if you think you’d like you will.

Reviews:
Monsters & Critics
FilmGeeks 2.0
Pajiba
Nehring The Edge

Categories: film, movie review, Tommy Lee Jones, Barry Pepper, Dwight Yoakam, Julio Cedillo

This Film Is Not Yet Rated (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:08:39 PDT

Should I see it?
Nope.

Lowdown:

The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rates our movies. They are secretive and less than upfront with their motives. I agree with the filmmakers on this point. This documentary on the MPAA however attempts to make the point that filmmakers getting higher ratings (and therefore more difficulty distributing their films) for making explicit sexual or violent material iis censorship. Poor arguments marr what is otherwise a great subject.

Reviews:
BBC
ReelViews
Ain't It Cool News

Categories: film, movie review, Darren Aronofsky, Kevin Smith, Atom Egoyan

The Nativity Story (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:08:47 PDT

Should I see it?
Yes.

Lowdown:

A patient retelling of the nativity story mostly from the viewpoint of Joseph. This is a refreshing film that successfully rephrases the iconic images of Christmas into a real story of scared teens being thrust into events far greater than they can comprehend. The film is quite good.

Reviews:
Bible Films Blog
Nehring The Edge
Film Freak Central

Categories: film, movie review, Jesus Christ, The Nativity Story, Keisha Castle Hughes, Alexander Siddig, Oscar Issac

Batman Begins (2005)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:08:58 PDT

Should I see it?
Yes.

Lowdown:

Batman goes post-post-modern and learns to mope. If you’re able to get past the brooding there is plenty to recommend this film. The least of which is Christian Bale in the leading role. Handled well by director Christopher Nolan, this is an engrossing movie considering it is, in the end, just another superhero franchise.

Reviews:
Nehring The Edge
TheFreshSite.com
ScreenIt!
End of Media

Categories: film, movie, review, Batman, superhero, Christian Bale

Snakes on a Plane (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 16:09:07 PDT

Should I see it?
Nope.

Lowdown:

This wants to be a bad movie that is so bad its good but its not. Its just a plan ol’ bad movie. Wanting to be cooler than it is, this film falls flat and ends up just being pathetic. Samuel L. Jackson gives a energized but wasted performance in this stupid, useless effort.

Reviews:
Nehring The Edge
Appreciating Great Trash
Culture Wars

Categories: film, movie review, Samuel L Jackson, Snakes on a Plane, Nathan Phillips

Hatari! (1962)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Sat, 26 May 2007 12:06:30 PDT

Should I see it?
No.

Lowdown:

Pitiful, boring and contrived, there film has nothing going for it. John Wayne and crew spend their time on screen forcing their way through aimless scenes that amount to nothing. The Duke, for all of the great films he was in, did make some stinkers. This one is one of the stinkiest.

Reviews:
PopMatters!
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Categories: film, movie reviews, John Wayne, Red Buttons, Howard Hawks

Movie Meme Answers

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Wed, 02 May 2007 18:35:14 PDT

Over at my other site Nehring the Edge, I have posted a Movie Meme that Julie D. of Happy Catholic has tagged me with. To view the question and responses to this meme CLICK HERE.

The answers to the meme are listed below:

1. Det Sjunde inseglet "The Seventh Seal" (1957)
2. Braveheart (1995)
3. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
4. Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
5. Blazing Saddles (1974)
6. The Day The Earth Stood Still (1951)
7. 300 (2006)
8. Evil Dead (1981)
9. Dumb and Dumber (1994)
10. Raiders of the Lost Arc (1981)

Left Behind II: Tribulation Force

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 04:22:54 PDT

Should I see it?
Nope.

Lowdown:

You’ll be begging for the Apocalypse just so you won’t have to sit through the rest of the movie. Building on the unstable groundwork of the first Left Behind Movie disaster, this movie is an embarrassment. The parts that aren't poorly written and acted are founded firmly in poor direction. One does not honor God by making terrible movies.

Reviews:
DVD Verdict
Beyond Hollywood

Categories: film, movie review, Left Behind, Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson

X2: X-Men United (2003)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 04:21:46 PST

Should I see it?
Yes.

Lowdown:

A worthy sequel considering it is a bloated McMovie franchise piece. Bryan Singer’s vision is still strong and the actors are still invested in making good work. The plot drifts a little in the second act and the finale is a tad muddled. Still, this is a fun movie and is successful on its own terms.

Reviews:
Nehring The Edge
PopMatters
CinemaDave

Categories: film, movie reivew, Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, X-Men, Brian Cox

Links for 2007-01-12 [del.icio.us]

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 00:00:00 PST

The Trasnporter (2002)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 05:08:44 PST

Should I see it?
Yes.

Lowdown:

This is a goofy, stupid, popcorn movie but it is well done. This movie has all of the intellectual wattage of a Schwarzenegger film but is far more interesting. Jason Statham is a great action film lead and Luc Besson's script is approporately dimwitted (this is good in this case.) A good guy film if you're in the mood for not thinking.

Reviews:
3 Black Chicks Review Flicks
eFilmCritic.com

Categories: film, movie review, Jason Statham, Luc Besson

Whale Rider (2002)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 06:25:26 PST

Should I see it?
Yes.

Lowdown:

Although the pacing is a little sluggish, this story about a young girl struggling to find her way in modern Maori culture is interesting. A good character piece with some good scene work. Not necessarily worth hunting down but good enough to sit through it you have it on hand.

Reviews:
PopMatters
Film as Art

Categories: film, movie review, Keisha Castle-Hughes

United 93 (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 05:51:46 PST

Should I see it?
See it today.

Lowdown:

Stark and haunting in it’s real depiction of the events of 9/11, this film may be too painful for some viewers. Cast with unknown actors and shot with intimate handheld cameras, this picture cannot do more to put you in the seats of Flight United 93. A brilliant film.

Reviews:
FilmGeeks 2.0
Nehring The Edge
Film Freak Central

Categories: film, movie review, DVD, 9/11, United 93

Van Helsing (2004)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 04:38:23 PST

Should I see it?
Not even on a dare.

Lowdown:

When you see a bad movie and you think it couldn’t have been worse, this hack job posing as a film proves you wrong. There are so many lousy parts to this film it flummoxes the mind to think of how this utterly stupid attempt made it theatres.

Reviews:
Pulp Culture
Nehring The Edge
PopMatters

Categories: film, movie review, DVD, Van Helsing, Hugh Jackman, Kate Beckinsale

Talladega Nights: The Ballad Of Ricky Bobby (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 19:21:29 PST

Should I see it?
Yes...No...Yes...

Lowdown:

I'll admit it, I enjoyed it. This is not a good movie however. This film is like watching a group of funny guys trying to make each other laugh. It is fun to watch, but it isn't going to last with you far beyond the final credits. If you're into wasting time, knock yourself out.

Reviews:
Appreciating Great Trash
Hollywood Jesus
Reel.com

Categories: film, movie review, Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, John C Reilly, Gary Cole

The Second Chance (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 17:06:59 PST

Should I see it?
No.

Lowdown:

One of the biggest issues when Christians make films is that they spend all their time talking about themselves. This moderately successful piece tells the tale of a big shot white preacher who slums in the inner city and learns lessons. There is really not too much here and no real reason to go out of your way not to see it.

Reviews:
Nehring The Edge
eFilmCritic

Categories: film, movie review, Steve Taylor, Michael W Smith

Team America: World Police (2004)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 10:15:49 PST

Should I see it?
Yes – with conditions.

Lowdown:

This is both a very insightful and extremely funny movie but it is also incredibly crude. Free to do as they please, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, the creators of South Park, kick things up a notch. Populated by puppets, this comedy about an anti-terrorist team will offend and humor nearly everyone.

Reviews:
Nehring The Edge
A Nutshell Review
Reel.com

Categories: film, movie review, Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Team America

Rififi (1955)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Sat, 06 Jan 2007 09:03:25 PST

Should I see it?
Yes.

Lowdown:

This piece is known for presenting what may be the best scenes involving the preparation for a crime ever filmed. While a little dated, this classic French caper film is still a fun watch. If you don't mind subtitles and love crime films, this is a great change of pace from the usualy Hollywood faire.

Reviews:
Nehring The Edge
Goatdog's Movies
Roger Ebert

Categories: film, movie review, hesit film, Jules Dussin, Jean Servais

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 03:59:45 PST

Should I see it?
No.

Lowdown:

Even if you don't find the premise insulting, chances are you will still be bothered by this absoltely yawn inducing waste. Drop the controversy and there is nothing left. One of Tom Hank's worst movies, its right down there with Dragnet, The Money Pit and Mazes & Monsters. If you like the book, it doesn't matter. This film stinks.

Reviews:
FilmGeeks 2.0
Fresh Film Reviews
Nehring The Edge
Reel.com

Categories: film, movie review, Ron Howard, Dan Brown, Tom Hanks, The DaVinci Code

Michael Moore Hates America (2004)

noreply@blogger.com (Scott Nehring) — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 17:11:14 PST

Should I see it?
Yes.

Lowdown:

Not so much a hit piece against Michael Moore as it is a pro-America documentary. Indie filmmaker Michael Wilson offers a bright alternative to Moore's more deceptive brand of filmmaking. This is not for everyone, old hippies and undergrads will hate this movie.

Reviews:
Beyond Hollywood
Nehring The Edge
Choking on Popcorn

Categories: film, movie, DVD, review, documentary, Mike Wilson, Michael Moore